Electrically heated smoking system

ABSTRACT

An electrically heated smoking system includes a secondary unit capable of receiving a smoking article having an aerosol-forming substrate. The secondary unit includes at least one heating element and an interface for connection to a primary power supply for supplying electrical power to the at least one heating element during a pre-heating mode, to increase the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to an operating temperature. The secondary unit further includes a secondary power supply arranged to supply electrical power to the at least one heating element during a smoking mode, to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate at substantially the operating temperature. The secondary unit also includes secondary circuitry. The electrically heated smoking system optionally includes a primary unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of and claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120/121 to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/785,074 filedMay 21, 2010, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Europeanpatent application number 09251364.7 filed May 21, 2009, the entirety ofthe contents of each of these applications is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

A number of prior art documents disclose electrically operated smokingsystems, having a number of advantages. One advantage is that theysignificantly reduce sidestream smoke, while permitting the smoker toselectively activate the smoking system during the smoking experience.The electrically operated smoking systems of the prior art typicallyinclude a housing for receiving a smoking article, heating elements togenerate an aerosol, a power source and the necessary electroniccircuitry. The circuitry may be activated manually or by insertion of acigarette into the housing, and may limit operation of the heatingelements to a pre-defined time period.

Some of the electrically operated smoking systems of the prior art havedisadvantages, however. It would be advantageous if the devices could bemade smaller and more convenient for the smoker, so that the size iscloser to that of a lit-end cigarette and the device can be held betweenthe fingers of a smoker in a similar way to a lit-end cigarette.

The present invention relates to an electrically heated smoking systemhaving a unit for receiving a smoking article, wherein the unit includesa secondary power supply and the unit is connectable to a primary powersupply.

SUMMARY

In a preferred embodiment, an electrically heated smoking systemincludes a secondary unit capable of receiving a smoking article havingan aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the secondary unit includes(i) at least one heating element, (ii) an interface for connection to aprimary power supply for supplying electrical power to the at least oneheating element during a pre-heating mode, to increase the temperatureof the aerosol-forming substrate to an operating temperature, (iii) asecondary power supply arranged to supply electrical power to the atleast one heating element during a smoking mode, to maintain thetemperature of the aerosol-forming substrate at substantially theoperating temperature, and (iv) secondary circuitry.

Preferably, the secondary power supply is chargeable by the primarypower supply during a charging mode so that the secondary power supplyhas sufficient charge to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-formingsubstrate at substantially the operating temperature during the smokingmode. Also preferably, the interface provides bi-directionalcommunication between the secondary unit and an intelligent device.Moreover, the supply of electrical power from the primary power supplyto the at least one heating element, during the pre-heating mode, iscontrolled by the secondary circuitry.

In the preferred embodiment, the electrically heated smoking system alsoincludes a primary unit including the primary power supply and primarycircuitry. Preferably, the supply of electrical power from the primarypower supply in the primary unit to the at least one heating element,during the pre-heating mode, is controlled by the primary circuitry inthe primary unit. Also preferably, the primary unit includes aninterface for connection to an external power supply for supplyingelectrical power to the primary power supply. The electrically heatedsmoking system can also include a plurality of secondary units.Preferably, the primary unit includes a plurality of connectablemodules, each module including a docking port for a respective secondaryunit. Also preferably, the primary unit includes storage means for oneor more secondary units. Moreover, the primary unit includes storagemeans for at least one smoking article. In the preferred embodiment, theprimary unit includes a base portion and a lid portion. Preferably, thesupply of electrical power from the secondary power supply to the atleast one heating element, during the smoking mode, is controlled by thesecondary circuitry. Also preferably, the secondary unit is insulated.Moreover, the primary unit includes a primary power supply and primarycircuitry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c show three versions of a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 2a and 2b show two alternative views of a second embodiment of thepresent Invention.

FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d show four versions of a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c show two embodiments of the smoking system of thepresent invention in comparison with a pack of lit-end cigarettes.

FIG. 5 shows a graph of power versus time during operation of thesmoking system according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a preferred embodiment, an electrically heated smoking systemincludes a secondary unit capable of receiving a smoking article havingan aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the secondary unit includes atleast one heating element, an interface for connection to a primarypower supply for supplying electrical power to the at least one heatingelement during a pre-heating mode, to increase the temperature of theaerosol-forming substrate to an operating temperature, a secondary powersupply arranged to supply electrical power to the at least one heatingelement during a smoking mode, to maintain the temperature of theaerosol-forming substrate at substantially the operating temperature,and secondary circuitry.

In the preferred embodiment, the secondary unit is designed to receive asmoking article and be held by a smoker during the smoking experience.Moreover, the power supply in the secondary unit maintains thetemperature of the aerosol-forming substrate during the smokingexperience. Preferably, the secondary unit connects to a primary powersupply, which is used to heat up the aerosol-forming substrate tooperating temperature before smoking begins. Also preferably, theprimary power supply may form part of a primary unit, which is separatefrom the secondary unit.

By providing a secondary power supply in the secondary unit and aseparate, external primary power supply (that is, by dividing the powersupply for the smoking system between a primary power supply and asecondary power supply in the secondary unit), the size of the secondaryunit can be reduced without increasing the time needed to pre-heat thesubstrate. Preferably, the secondary unit is only slightly larger thanthe smoking article. The secondary unit is preferably of a similar sizeto or slightly larger than a lit-end cigarette. Thus, the secondary unitcan be held between the smoker's fingers in a similar way to a lit-endcigarette.

Preferably, the secondary power supply is chargeable by the primarypower supply, during a charging mode, so that the secondary power supplyhas sufficient charge to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-formingsubstrate at substantially the operating temperature during the smokingmode.

Preferably, supply of electrical power from the primary power supply tothe at least one heating element, during the pre-heating mode, iscontrolled by the secondary circuitry in the secondary unit. Alsopreferably, supply of electrical power from the primary power supply,during the charging mode, to charge the secondary power supply, iscontrolled by the secondary circuitry in the secondary unit.

In the preferred embodiment, the interface for connection to the primarypower supply allows power to be supplied from the primary power supplyto the secondary unit during the pre-heating mode and, optionally,during the charging mode. For that purpose, the connection may be awired connection such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection orcoaxial cable. A USB connection is advantageous because a USBcommunications link provides bi-directional communication and also apower link (usually 5 V).

The interface may alternatively or additionally facilitate otherfunctionality and features for the smoking system. For that purpose, theconnection may be a wired connection (such as a USB connection) or awireless connection (such as a Bluetooth connection). Preferably, theinterface facilitates bi-directional communication between the secondaryunit and an intelligent device or host that has its own computingcapability and is capable of acting as the primary power supply. Thismay allow data to be downloaded from the intelligent device or host tothe secondary unit and data to be uploaded from the secondary unit tothe intelligent device or host.

Preferably, the connection operates under an interface standard. Aninterface standard is a standard that describes one or more functionalcharacteristics, such as code conversion, line assignments, or protocolcompliance, or physical characteristics, such as electrical, mechanical,or optical characteristics, necessary to allow the exchange ofinformation between two or more systems or pieces of equipment. Examplesof suitable interface standards for the communications link include, butare not limited to, the Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) family ofstandards; USB; Bluetooth; FireWire (a brand name of Apple, Inc., fortheir IEEE 1394 interface), IrDA (Infrared Data Association—acommunications standard for the short-range exchange of data by Infraredlight); Zigbee (a specification based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard forwireless personal area networks); and other Wi-Fi standards.

Preferably, the secondary circuitry is programmable. The secondarycircuitry may be programmable such that the secondary unit can bepersonalized to an individual smoker's smoking behaviour. For example,the secondary circuitry may be programmable to adjust the electricalpower supplied to the at least one heating element during the smokingmode based on the particular smoker using the secondary unit, theparticular smoking article contained in the secondary unit or both.

In the preferred embodiment, the primary power supply may be located inan external intelligent device or host such as a computer. Moreover, thehost may be a personal computer. Preferably, the personal computer maybe a desktop computer. Alternatively, the personal computer may be alaptop computer or a notebook computer. Moreover, the personal computermay be a tablet computer such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), aPersonal Information Device (PID), a Portable Media Player (PMP, such asan Apple, Inc., iPod®) or a Portable Video Player (PVP). The host may bea mobile cellular telephone. Additionally, the external host may beInternet-enabled. That is, preferably the external host, such as acomputer, can connect to one or more Internet sites in order to uploaddata or download data or both upload and download data. This allowsextended features to be implemented from the Internet via the computer,at the same time as keeping the hardware in the system itself relativelysimple. Throughout the specification, in the context of the presentinvention, the term “Internet” is used to refer to the worldwide,publicly accessible series of interconnected computer networks thattransmit data using the standard Internet Protocol (IP). It includes theWorld Wide Web (www) but also includes other domestic, academic,business, government and other networks outside the World Wide Web.

The primary power supply may simply be an external power source such asthe commercial power supply (also known as mains power, household power,domestic power, wall power or grid power). That is to say, the interfaceon the secondary unit may be connectable to a wall socket. The primarypower supply may be an in-vehicle power supply, for example, in a car.That is to say, the interface on the secondary unit may be connectableto a charging socket in a vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrically heated smoking systemfurther includes a primary unit Including the primary power supply 516and primary circuitry 514 (shown in FIG. 6). By providing a primarypower supply in the primary unit and a secondary power supply in thesecondary unit (that is, by dividing the power supply between theprimary and secondary units), the size of the secondary unit can bereduced without increasing the time needed to preheat the substrate. Inaddition, all the components required for the smoking experience can becontained in a single unit of a size and shape similar to a pack oflit-end cigarettes.

In the preferred embodiment including a primary unit, the interface onthe secondary unit may be for connection to the primary unit only, or tothe primary unit and another external unit.

In the embodiment including a primary unit, preferably, supply ofelectrical power from the primary power supply in the primary unit tothe at least one heating element, during the pre-heating mode, iscontrolled by the primary circuitry in the primary unit. Alternatively,supply of electrical power from the primary power supply in the primaryunit to the at least one heating element, during the pre-heating mode,may be controlled by the secondary unit. Preferably, supply ofelectrical power from the primary power supply in the primary unit tocharge the secondary power supply is controlled by the primary circuitryin the primary unit. Alternatively, supply of electrical power from theprimary power supply in the primary unit to charge the secondary powersupply may be controlled by the secondary circuitry in the secondaryunit. All functions may be controlled by either the secondary unit orthe primary unit or by a combination of both units.

In one embodiment, the primary unit includes an interface for connectionto an external power supply for supplying electrical power to theprimary power supply. The interface in the primary unit may allow powerto be supplied from an external power supply to the primary power supplyduring the pre-heating mode, during the charging mode, during thesmoking mode, when the smoking system is not in use or at anycombination of those times. For that purpose, the connection may be awired connection such as a USB connection or coaxial cable.

The interface in the primary unit may alternatively or additionallyfacilitate other functionality and features for the smoking system. Forthat purpose, the connection may be a wired connection (such as a USBconnection) or a wireless connection (such as a Bluetooth connection).Preferably, the interface facilitates bi-directional communicationbetween the primary unit and an intelligent device or host. The featuresdescribed above in relation to the interface in the secondary unit alsoapply to the interface in the primary unit.

In the preferred embodiment, the external power supply may be located inan intelligent device or host such as a computer. As already discussed,the computer may be Internet-enabled and the interface in the primaryunit may allow Internet data to be downloaded from the host and uploadedto the host.

Alternatively, the external power supply may simply be a power sourcesuch as the commercial power supply.

Preferably, the primary circuitry is programmable. If the primary powersupply is chargeable by an external power supply, preferably, theprimary circuitry controls charging of the primary power supply. If theprimary unit includes an interface for connection to an external host,preferably, the primary circuitry controls communication between theprimary unit and the external host.

When a primary unit is included, the electrically heated smoking systemincludes one, and only one, secondary unit. This is advantageous as itis designed for a single smoker. In a preferred embodiment, the primaryunit includes storage means for the single secondary unit to form asingle compact unit. Preferably, the single compact unit is easilytransportable by the smoker.

In an alternative embodiment which includes a primary unit, theelectrically heated smoking system includes two, and only two, secondaryunits. Such an embodiment is advantageous as it is designed to be sharedby two smokers. In the preferred embodiment, the primary unit includesstorage means for the two secondary units to form a single compact unit.Also preferably, the primary unit includes a first module for receivinga first secondary unit and a second module for receiving a secondsecondary unit. Each module may include some or all of the functionalityof the primary unit.

In an alternative embodiment which Includes a primary unit, theelectrically heated smoking system includes more than two secondaryunits. Such an embodiment is advantageous as it is designed to be sharedby a plurality of smokers. Moreover, the primary unit includes storagemeans for the plurality of secondary units. Preferably, the primary unitincludes a plurality of docking ports to receive respective secondaryunits for connection during the pre-heating mode and, optionally, duringthe charging mode.

When the electrically heated smoking system includes two or moresecondary units, the primary unit may include a plurality of connectablemodules, each module including a docking port for a respective secondaryunit. This allows two or more smokers to form a single primary unitincluding a nest or chain of modules.

Preferably, the primary unit includes storage means for one or moresecondary units. This is advantageous since the primary unit and thesecondary unit, when not in use, may form a single compact system, whichmay be easily transportable. The single compact system may be of a sizeand shape similar to a pack of lit-end cigarettes. Preferably, eachsecondary unit is removably attachable to a side of the primary unit.Alternatively, each secondary unit is receivable in a respective dockingcavity in the primary unit. Moreover, the secondary units may bestorable in the storage means when a smoking article is contained in thesecondary unit. Alternatively, the secondary units may be storable inthe storage means when a smoking article is not contained in thesecondary unit. The storage means may also provide means for connectingthe primary unit and the secondary unit for the pre-heating mode and tocharge the secondary power supply.

Preferably, the primary unit includes storage means for at least onesmoking article. The storage means may include storage for used smokingarticles, unused smoking articles or both. This is advantageous sincethe primary unit and secondary unit together provide all the componentsrequired for the smoking mode. In the preferred embodiment in which theone or more secondary units are storable in the storage means and inwhich the primary unit includes storage for at least one smokingarticle, all the components required for the smoking experience can becontained in a single compact system. The single compact system may beof a size and shape similar to a pack of lit-end cigarettes.Additionally, or alternatively, the secondary unit may be capable ofstoring a smoking article when not in use. As used herein, the term“storage means” is used to indicate storage for one or more secondaryunits, storage for one or more smoking articles, or storage for bothsecondary units and smoking articles.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary unit includes a base portion anda lid portion connected to the base portion. The lid portion may beconnected to the base portion by any suitable connection. For example,the lid portion may be connected to the base portion by a hinge.Alternatively, the lid portion may be a sliding lid. For example, theprimary unit may include a shell portion and a slide portion arranged toslide relative to the shell portion. Alternatively, the lid portion mayfriction fit with the base portion. Moreover, the lid portion may screwfit with the base portion.

Preferably the base portion of the primary unit includes storage spacefor a plurality of smoking articles and storage space for at least onesecondary unit. Moreover, the lid portion may be closable on the baseportion when the secondary unit is stored in the base portion. Even morepreferably, the lid portion may be closable on the base portion when thesecondary unit is stored in the base portion and a smoking article iscontained in the secondary unit. In the preferred embodiment, whensmoking articles and a secondary unit are stored in the base portion andthe lid portion is closed, the smoking system has a size and shapesimilar to that of a pack of lit-end cigarettes.

Also preferably, the primary unit may include a display (for example adigital display) indicating Information to the smoker. For example, thedisplay may indicate smoking article usage, energy usage or otherinformation.

Preferably, supply of electrical power from the secondary power supplyto the at least one heating element, during the smoking mode, iscontrolled by the secondary circuitry. During the smoking mode, thesecondary circuitry may monitor the time elapsed of the smoking mode. Inthe preferred embodiment, the secondary unit may include a display (forexample a digital display) indicating information to the smoker. Forexample, the display may indicate the time elapsed, the number of puffstaken, the number of puffs still remaining or other information.Preferably, the secondary circuitry is arranged to provide an outputsignal when the time elapsed is equal to a pre-determined period oftime. Alternatively or in addition, the secondary circuitry may monitorthe time elapsed between puffs during the smoking mode and provide anoutput signal when the time elapsed is equal to a pre-determined periodof time, which is shorter than the pre-determined period of time for thesmoking mode. Further, during the smoking mode, the secondary circuitrymay monitor the number of puffs taken by a smoker. Preferably, thesecondary circuitry is arranged to provide an output signal when thenumber of puffs taken is equal to a pre-determined number of puffs.Thus, there are three possible modes of operation. In a first mode, thesmoking mode has a pre-determined maximum period of time. In a secondmode, the smoking mode has a pre-determined maximum number of puffs. Ina third mode, the smoking mode has a pre-determined maximum period oftime between puffs.

As already mentioned, the secondary unit preferably has a diameter thatis only slightly larger than the diameter of the smoking article.Additionally, the length of the secondary unit may be similar to thelength of a lit-end cigarette (for example, a cigarette having a lengthof between approximately 70 mm and approximately 128 mm). Alternatively,the secondary unit may be longer or shorter. This is possible becausethe secondary power supply does not need to increase the temperature ofthe aerosol-forming substrate to an operating temperature but only needsto maintain the operating temperature. Thus, the secondary power supplycan be relatively small. In the preferred embodiment, the smokingarticle used has a diameter and length that is smaller than a standardlit-end cigarette (for example, a cigarette with a diameter ofapproximately 7.9 mm and a length of approximately 85 mm) which allowsthe secondary unit to be of a similar size to a lit-end cigarette. Thisallows a smoker to hold the secondary unit between the smoker's fingersin a similar way to a lit-end cigarette.

Preferably, the secondary unit is insulated. This reduces heat loss fromthe secondary unit and allows the aerosol-forming substrate to bemaintained at substantially the operating temperature for the desiredperiod of time.

Also preferably, the secondary unit may include a base portion capableof receiving the smoking article and a cap portion for enclosing thesmoking article or closing the base portion.

In the preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate includes atobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compoundswhich are released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, theaerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco material such asthose used in the devices of EP-A-1 750 788 and EP-A-1 439 876, whichare hereby incorporated by reference thereto. Preferably, theaerosol-forming substrate further includes an aerosol former. Examplesof suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.Additional examples of potentially suitable aerosol formers aredescribed in EP-A-0 277 519 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,911, which arehereby incorporated by reference thereto.

In the preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may be asolid substrate. The solid substrate may include, for example, one ormore of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips or sheetscontaining one or more of: herb leaf, tobacco leaf, fragments of tobaccoribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco andexpanded tobacco. Optionally, the solid substrate may contain additionaltobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, to be released uponheating of the substrate. Optionally, the solid substrate may beprovided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier maytake the form of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, stripsor sheets. Alternatively, the carrier may be a tubular carrier having athin layer of the solid substrate deposited on its inner surface, suchas those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,505,214, 5,591,368 and 5,388,594,the contents of which are hereby incorporated by this reference thereto,or on its outer surface, or on both its inner and outer surfaces. Such atubular carrier may be formed of, for example, a paper, or paper likematerial, a non-woven carbon fiber mat, a low mass open mesh metallicscreen, or a perforated metallic foil or any other thermally stablepolymer matrix. Preferably, the solid substrate may be deposited on thesurface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gelor slurry. Moreover, the solid substrate may be deposited on the entiresurface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a patternin order to provide a non-uniform flavor delivery during use.Alternatively, the carrier may be a non-woven fabric or fiber bundleinto which tobacco components have been incorporated, such as thatdescribed in EP-A-0 857 431, the entire content of which is incorporatedherein by reference thereto. Moreover, the non-woven fabric or fiberbundle may include, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulosefibers, or cellulose derivative fibers.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate andthe smoking article may include means for retaining the liquidsubstrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively be any othersort of substrate, for example, a gas substrate, or any combination ofthe various types of substrate.

A primary unit for the electrically heated smoking system of the firstaspect of the invention, the primary unit including a primary powersupply and primary circuitry is also provided herein. However, it shouldbe noted that features described in relation to one aspect of theinvention may also be applicable to another aspect of the invention.

In general, the electrically heated smoking system does not require theprimary unit, in which case the secondary unit may be a standalone unitconnectable to an existing external power supply. However, as discussedabove, in the preferred embodiment, the electrically heated smokingsystem includes a primary unit and one or more secondary units capableof receiving a smoking article. Preferably, the primary unit includes aprimary power supply and electronic circuitry. Moreover, the secondaryunit includes a secondary power supply, electronic circuitry and atleast one heating element. Also preferably, the primary power supply inthe primary unit may be used for charging the secondary power supply inthe secondary unit, in the charging mode, and for the initial heating ofthe aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking article, in the pre-heatingmode. Once the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate is raised toan operating temperature, the secondary power supply in the secondaryunit is used to maintain the temperature of the substrate during thesmoking experience, in the smoking mode. The required operatingtemperature will depend upon the particular aerosol-forming substrate inthe smoking article. Preferably, the operating temperature is controlledby the primary power supply, the number and type of heating elements andthe structure of the secondary unit. By dividing the power supplybetween the primary unit and the secondary unit, the size of thesecondary unit can be reduced, such that it is only slightly larger thanthe smoking article. In addition, in some embodiments, all thecomponents required for the smoking experience can be contained in asingle unit of a size and shape similar to a pack of lit-end cigarettes.Various embodiments will now be described and features described inrelation to any embodiment may equally be applicable to any of the otherembodiments.

FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c each show a version of a first embodiment of theelectrically heated smoking system. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b , theprimary unit is in the form of a hinge lid box of a size and shapesimilar to a standard pack of lit-end cigarettes. Other packconfigurations are discussed below with reference to FIG. 4a . Althoughnot expressly shown, the primary unit may be another suitable size.

In FIG. 1a , smoking system 101 includes primary unit 103 and secondaryunit in the form of holder 105. In the preferred embodiment, the primaryunit 103 has the form of a hinge lid box, with a base portion 103 a anda lid portion 103 b, separated by a hinge 103 c. The lid portion 103 bis shown open in FIG. 1a . Preferably, the hinge 103 c runs along a longedge of the top side of the base portion 103 a. Also preferably, theholder 105 can be stored in the base portion 103 a of the primary unit103 (as shown in FIG. 1a ) by insertion into a docking port. As shown inFIG. 1a , the docking port for holder 105 is provided at one side of thebase portion 103 a, but the docking port could equally be provided onthe opposite side of the base portion 103 a or in the centre of the baseportion 103 a. In the embodiment of FIG. 1a , when the holder 105 isstored in the primary unit 103, the top of the holder 105 protrudesabove the top side of the base portion 103 a. Preferably, the lidportion 103 b is, nonetheless, able to close onto the base portion 103 awhen the holder 105 is stored in the primary unit 103, including when asmoking article is contained in the holder 105. Alternatively, the topunit of the holder 105 may be virtually flush with the top side of thebase portion 103 a. Moreover, the primary unit 103 also has storage forsmoking articles 107, in this case to one side of the holder dockingport. A further smoking article may, of course, be stored in the holder105. Although not expressly shown, the docking port for holder 105 maybe located on either side of the base portion 103 a and the storage forsmoking articles 107 may be located on the side opposite the holder 105.If the docking port for holder 105 is located towards the centre of thebase portion 103 a, storage for smoking articles 107 may be located onone or both sides of the docking port.

Additionally, in the base portion 103 a of the primary unit 103 of FIG.1a , there is an interface 109 for receiving a USB plug (not shown). TheUSB connection may be used for charging the power supply in the primaryunit, for checking the functionality or for other purposes whereconnection to a computer is required. Such a USB interface, or indeedany other suitable interface, may be included on any of the describedembodiments. Additionally or alternatively, a USB interface, or anyother suitable interface, may be included on the holder, although thisis not shown in FIG. 1a . The USB connection will be discussed furtherbelow.

In FIG. 1b , smoking system 101′ includes primary unit 103′ andsecondary unit in the form of holder 105′. As in FIG. 1a , the primaryunit 103′ has the form of a hinge lid box, with a base portion 103 a′and a lid portion 103 b′, separated by a hinge 103 c′. However, in FIG.1b , the hinge runs along a short edge of the top side of the baseportion 103 a′. The lid portion 103 b′ is shown open in FIG. 1b .Preferably, the holder 105′ can be stored in the base portion 103 a′ ofthe primary unit 103′ (as shown in FIG. 1b ) by insertion into a dockingport. In FIG. 1b , the docking port for holder 105′ is provided towardsthe front of the base portion 103 a′, that is, furthest from the hinge103 c′, but the docking port could equally be provided towards the rearend of the base portion 103 a′, that is, closest to the hinge 103 c′, orin the centre of the base portion 103 a′. In the embodiment of FIG. 1b ,when holder 105′ is stored in the primary unit 103′, the top of theholder 105′ may be virtually flush with the top side of the base portion103 a′. Preferably, the lid portion 103 b′ is able to close onto thebase portion 103 a′, including when a smoking article is contained inthe holder 105′. Alternatively, the top of the holder 105′ may protrudeabove the top side of the base portion 103 a′. The primary unit 103′also has storage for smoking articles 107, in this case, towards therear of the base portion 103 a′, that is, nearer to the hinge 103 c′. Afurther smoking article may, of course, be stored in the holder. If thedocking port 105′ is located towards the rear of the base portion 103a′, the storage for smoking articles 107′ may be located at the endopposite the holder 105′, that is towards the front of the base portion103 a′. If the docking port for holder 105′ is located towards thecentre of the base portion 103 a′, storage for smoking articles 107′ maybe located at one or both ends of the base portion 103 a′.

In FIG. 1c , smoking system 101″ includes primary unit 103″ andsecondary unit in the form of holder 105″. The holder 105″ can be storedin the primary unit 103″ (as shown in FIG. 1c ) by insertion into adocking port. In FIG. 1c , the docking port for holder 105″ is providedat one side of the base portion 103 a″, but the docking port couldequally be provided on the opposite side of the base portion 103 a″ orin the centre of the base portion 103 a″. Preferably, the primary unit103″ and holder 105″ together form a single compact unit. In theembodiment of FIG. 1c , when the holder 105″ is stored in the primaryunit 103″, the top of the holder 105″ protrudes above the top side ofthe primary unit 103″. Alternatively, the top unit of the holder 105″may be virtually flush with the top side of the primary unit 103″. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 1c , the primary unit 103″ does not have anystorage for smoking articles, although a single smoking article may bestored in the holder 105″. However, additional storage for smokingarticles could be provided. Additionally, as in FIG. 1a , an interface109″ is provided in the primary unit 103″ for receiving a USB plug (notshown).

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c , the smoking systemincludes a primary unit and one separate holder. Preferably, the smokingsystem is designed for a single smoker. Moreover, the holder may bestored in the primary unit. In the preferred embodiment, a smokingarticle may be received in the holder when the holder is stored in theprimary unit or when the holder is separate from the primary unit. Whenthe holder is connected to the primary unit, the primary power supplymay be connected to the heating elements, in order to heat the substratein the pre-heating mode. Additionally, the primary unit may providestorage for smoking articles. The storage for smoking articles may besized to store between 1 and 20 smoking articles in any suitableconfiguration. The holder and primary unit together form a compactsmoking system that can easily be carried by a smoker. The variousfeatures of FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c are interchangeable.

FIGS. 2a and 2b show alternative views of a second embodiment of thesmoking system of the invention. In FIGS. 2a and 2b , smoking system 201includes primary unit 203 including a main part 203 a and a separabledocking port 203 b, and two secondary units in the form of holders 205 aand 205 b. Each holder 205 a, 205 b may be received in the primary unit203. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2a and 2b , first holder 205 a may bereceived in a docking port which is integral with the main part 203 a ofthe primary unit 203. Second holder 205 b may be received in dockingport 203 b, which is separate from the main part 203 a of the primaryunit 203, but may be attached to one side of the main part 203 a viainterface 209. Alternative connections between the docking port 203 band the main part 203 a of the primary unit 203 are, of course,possible. Docking port on main part 203 a includes a recess 211 a whichis designed to cooperate with a protrusion 213 a on holder 205 a, forsecuring the holder 205 a in the docking port 203. Similarly, holder 205b includes a protrusion 213 b for cooperation with a recess 211 b in thedocking port 203 b, which is separate from the main part 203 a of theprimary unit 203. In addition, a mechanism may be provided for securinga smoking article in the holder.

As shown in FIG. 2a , the holders 205 a and 205 b are received in theirrespective docking ports, and docking port 203 b is separate from themain part 203 a of the primary unit 203. As shown in FIG. 2b , theholders 205 a and 205 b are separate from their respective docking portsand in use with a smoking article 207.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b , the smoking system includesa primary unit and two separate holders. Moreover, the smoking system isdesigned to be shared by two smokers. Alternatively, the smoking systemcan be used by a single smoker, in which case one of the holders acts asa back-up. Holder 205 a can be stored directly in main part 203 a of theprimary unit. Holder 205 b can be stored in docking port 203 b which isattachable to the main part 203 a of the primary unit 203. The holdersand primary unit together form a compact smoking system. In thepreferred embodiment, a smoking article may be received in each holderwhen that holder is connected to the primary unit or when the holder isseparate from the primary unit. Additionally, the primary unit mayprovide storage for smoking articles, although this is not shown in FIG.2a or 2 b.

FIGS. 3a and 3b each show a version of a third embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 3a , smoking system 301 includes primaryunit 303 and a plurality of secondary units in the form of holders 305.As shown, three holders 305 i, 305 ii and 305 iii are connected to theprimary unit 303 and one holder 305 iv is separate from the primary unit303. In FIG. 3a , the primary unit 303 provides docking ports for fourholders 305, but any number of docking ports could be provided. Forexample, as many or 40 or 50 docking ports may be provided. In otherembodiments, between 2 and 10 holders may be docked in primary unit 303for charging and pre-heating. Preferably, the primary unit 303 providesfirst storage 311 which may be used to store either smoking articles(used and unused) or holders, or both smoking articles and holders. Alsopreferably, the primary unit 303 provides second storage 313 which mayalso be used to store either smoking articles or holders, or bothsmoking articles and holders.

In FIG. 3a , holders 305 i and 30511 are shown docked in primary unit303. Preferably, the holders 305 i and 305 ii are each in use with asmoking article 307 and the power supply in the primary unit is beingused for re-charging the power supply in the holder (charging mode), orfor pre-heating the smoking article substrate (pre-heating mode). Holder305 iii is also shown docked in primary unit 303, but without a smokingarticle. Preferably, the power supply in the holder 305 iii is beingrecharged from the power supply in the primary unit 303 (charging mode).Holder 305 iv is shown separate from the primary unit 303 and in usewith a smoking article 307. The power supply in holder 305 iv is beingused to maintain the operating temperature of the smoking articlesubstrate (during the smoking mode).

In FIG. 3a , primary unit 303 is connected to an external power supply(not shown) via connection 315. The external power supply may be usedfor re-charging the power supply in the primary unit, for supplyingpower to the holders for charging the holders or during the pre-heatingmode, or any combination of those.

In FIG. 3a , each docking port in primary unit 303 includes its owninterface 309. This may include a display and a switch for Initiatingthe pre-heating mode when a smoking article is received in the holderdocked in the docking port.

In FIG. 3b , smoking system 301′ includes a modular primary unit 303′and at least one secondary unit in the form of a holder 305′. Otherconfigurations are shown in FIGS. 3c and 3d , which include multiplemodules 304.

In the first configuration shown in FIG. 3b , the primary unit 303′includes a single module 304. The module 304 provides a docking port fora single holder 305′. Preferably, the holder 305′ is separate from themodule 304 of the primary unit 303′ and can be used with a smokingarticle 307. Also preferably, the power supply in holder 305′ is used tomaintain the operating temperature of the smoking article substrateduring the smoking mode. Moreover, the module 304 includes its owninterface 309′ for its docking port and may also include storage (notshown). Preferably. the primary unit 303′ is connected to an externalpower supply (not shown) via connection 315′.

In a second configuration shown in FIG. 3c , the primary unit 303′includes four modules 304. Of course, any number of modules may beprovided. Again, each module 304 provides a docking port for a singleholder 305′. As shown, the four modules can be connected to one anotherin a “nest” formation. In the nest formation, each module may beconnected to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 other modules. Preferably, theconnection between modules 304 may be a magnetic connection or any othertype of suitable connection. Also shown are three holders 305′ withsmoking articles 307 docked in respective modules 304. The primary unit303′ can be being used for re-charging the power supply in each holderor for pre-heating the smoking article substrate. As in FIG. 3a , eachmodule 304 includes its own interface 309′ for its docking port and mayalso include storage (not shown). Preferably, the primary unit 303′ isconnected to an external power supply (not shown) via connection 315′.Note that only a single power connection is required for the primaryunit 303′, which provides power to all the modules 304.

As shown in FIG. 3d , in a third configuration the primary unit 303′includes four modules 304. Of course, again, any number of modules maybe provided. Again, each module 304 provides a docking port for a singleholder 305′. As shown, the four modules can be connected to one anotherin a “chain” formation. In the chain formation, each module may beconnected to only 1 or 2 other modules. The connection between modules304 may be a magnetic connection or any other type of suitableconnection. Three holders 305′ with smoking articles 307 are showndocked in respective modules 304 and the primary unit 303′ is being usedfor re-charging the power supply in each holder or for pre-heating thesmoking article substrate. As in FIGS. 3b and 3c , each module 304includes its own interface 309′ for its docking port and may alsoinclude storage (not shown). The primary unit 303′ is connected to anexternal power supply (not shown) via connection 315′. Note that only asingle power connection is required for the primary unit 303′, whichprovides power to all the modules 304.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 3b, 3c, and 3d , each smoker may have theirown holder 305′ and module 304. As smokers join the group, new modulesmay be added to the configuration. As smokers leave the group, modulesmay be removed from the configuration.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d , the smokingsystem can include at least one primary unit and a plurality of holders.Preferably, the smoking system is designed to be used by many smokers.Unlike the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the smoking system shown inFIG. 3a may not necessarily be transportable, and may be permanentlypositioned in a location accessible to a plurality of smokers.

Each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes at least oneprimary unit and one or more secondary units. However, a primary unitneed not be included in the smoking system. In that case, the holderwill be connectable directly to an external power source, such as amains supply, or a host computer. This may be via a wired connectionsuch as a USB connection. Connection to an in-vehicle charging port isalso possible. In that case, the holder will include the necessaryelectronic circuitry to control the charging in the charging mode, andthe heating of the smoking article substrate in the pre-heating mode.Various features common to all the illustrated embodiments will now bedescribed.

In the preferred embodiment, the power supply in the primary unit may beany suitable power supply. Preferably, the primary power supply may bechargeable by an external source. For example, the primary unit powersupply may be a battery, such as a lithium ion, lithium iron phosphate,lithium manganese, nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride battery. Theexternal source may be an external computer connectable to the primaryunit via a connection, for example a USB (Universal Serial Bus)connection. The external source may be mains electricity supplyconnectable to the primary unit via a plug and socket. The powercapability of the primary unit's power source is preferably 3 to 6Watts. The requirements that constrain the minimum size of the primaryunit power supply are energy and charging time.

Also preferably, the electronic circuitry in the primary unit mayinclude a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor(DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any otherprogrammable digital or analogue circuitry. The electronic circuitry inthe primary unit has a number of functions including: to charge theprimary unit power supply from an external source, to charge thesecondary power supply in the secondary unit when not in use, and tocontrol the heating elements in the secondary unit during thepre-heating mode. Preferably, the electronic circuitry may be arrangedto communicate with a host via a wired connection, for example USB, orvia a wireless connection, for example Bluetooth, to providebi-directional transfer of data between the host and the primary andsecondary units. Also preferably, the communication between thesecondary unit and the primary unit may be facilitated when thesecondary unit is in a docking port on the primary unit or when thesecondary unit is stored in storage means in the primary unit.

As already mentioned, the primary unit may include an interface forexternal connection. Preferably, the interface operates under aninterface standard. The connection may be a wired connection such as aUSB link, or a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth. The wiredconnection may include a retractable cable. This may be used forcharging the primary power supply. The connection may alternatively oradditionally be used for extra functionality. For example, when theprimary unit is connected to an external computer, the operation of thesystem may be checked and the smoker may be advised when maintenance isrequired, for example, when the primary or secondary unit power supplyneeds to be replaced. Additionally, the connection with a computer canallow the smoker to place an order for more smoking articles, downloadupdates for any software, set personal consumption targets forindividual smokers and share information. Further extended capabilitiesmay be provided, not limited to those listed above. One or both of theprimary and secondary units may include a digital display.

In the preferred embodiment, the power supply in the secondary unitprovides enough energy to the heating elements to maintain theaerosol-forming substrate of the smoking article at an operatingtemperature, for a predetermined period of time or predetermined numberof puffs taken during the smoking mode. The power supply in thesecondary unit may be a battery, a supercapacitor, a fuel cell or anyother suitable power supply which can provide enough energy to maintainthe substrate at working temperature for the predetermined period oftime or for the predetermined number of puffs. For example, thesecondary unit power supply can include a plurality of lithium ironphosphate cells. In another embodiment, the secondary unit power supplyincludes a lithium polymer battery. Preferably, the predetermined periodof time may be between 5 and 20 minutes, and the predetermined number ofpuffs may be between 5 and 20 puffs. Also preferably, the powercapability of the secondary unit's power source is preferably 1 to 3Watts. Moreover, the requirements that constrain the minimum size of thesecondary unit power supply are energy provided per smoking experience,charging time and cycle life (that is, how often the power supply willneed to be replaced).

As already mentioned, the secondary unit may include an interface forconnection directly to an external source. Preferably, the interfaceoperates under an interface standard. The connection may be a wiredconnection such as a USB link, or a wireless connection, such asBluetooth. The wired connection may include a retractable cable. Thismay be used for charging the secondary power supply. The connection mayalternatively or additionally be used for supplying power to thesecondary power supply for the pre-heating mode. The connection mayalternatively or additionally be used for extra functionality.Preferably, the connection allows bi-directional flow of data. Forexample, when the secondary unit is connected to an external computer,the operation of the system may be checked and the smoker may be advisedwhen maintenance is required, for example, when the secondary unit powersupply needs to be replaced or the secondary unit needs to be cleaned.Further extended capabilities may be provided, not limited to thoselisted above.

In the preferred embodiment, the electronic circuitry in the secondaryunit may include a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) orany other programmable digital or analogue circuitry. The secondary unitelectronic circuitry works in conjunction with the primary unitelectronic circuitry. The pre-heating mode may be initiated when thesecondary unit is detected to be in connection with the primary powersupply and a smoking article is detected in the secondary unit. This maybe detected by the secondary circuitry or primary circuitry.Alternatively, a smoker may manually initiate the pre-heat, for example,by activating a switch on the primary or secondary unit or by openingthe primary unit. During the pre-heating mode, the electronic circuitryin the secondary unit may communicate with the primary unit electroniccircuitry to determine when the smoking article is ready to be smoked.During the smoking mode, the smoker may begin the smoking experience andcontinue the smoking experience puff by puff. The electronic circuitryin the secondary unit controls the heating elements to maintain thesubstrate at the operating temperature, or as close to the operatingtemperature as possible. The electronic circuitry in the secondary unitmay be arranged to keep track of the number of puffs taken by thesmoker, the amount of time between puffs and the amount of time that theheating elements have been energized. When either the number of puffsreaches the maximum number for the smoking article (so that the smokingarticle is depleted), the smoker has not taken a puff before thepredetermined time, or the predetermined period of time has expired, butthere are puffs remaining, a signal from the electronic circuitrynotifies the smoker to return the secondary unit to the primary unit.Then, if appropriate, the power supply in the secondary unit can berecharged and the substrate returned to operating temperature. In thisway, the smoker is able to stop and start the smoking experience, andrestart the smoking experience until the smoking article is depleted.

In addition, the electronic circuitry may identify the smoking articlein the secondary unit, adjust the heating profile based on the smokingarticle type and determine when the holder needs maintenance, forexample when the heating elements need to be cleaned. The electroniccircuitry in the secondary unit can also allow the secondary unit to bepersonalized for an individual's smoking behaviour. For example,duration of the smoking experience, time of each puff, time betweenpuffs and intensity of each puff, may be recorded, the individual'sconsumption patterns may be tracked and the individual's preferredsmoking article may be monitored. This may work in conjunction with alock on the secondary unit, which allows only a particular smoker to usethe secondary unit.

In order for the electronic circuitry in the secondary unit to count thenumber of puffs taken, the electronic circuitry may include a puffsensor for sensing air flow indicative of a puff. The sensor may be anysuitable type of sensor, for example a thermistor, an optical device, anopto-mechanical device, an electro-mechanical device, or a micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) device.

The shape and size of the secondary unit will, to a certain extent,depend on the size and shape of the secondary unit power supply. Inprinciple, however, the secondary unit may be any suitable shape.Typically, the secondary unit is an elongate cylindrical unit having asize only slightly larger than the smoking article. In the preferredembodiment, the cross sectional shape of the secondary unit may beround, rectangular, or oval. Moreover, the secondary unit may include acap for covering the smoking article when it is received in thesecondary unit, for protection of the smoking article or for limitingodor. The secondary unit may include a cap for covering the open end ofthe secondary unit. Typically, when the smoking article is received inthe secondary unit, approximately half the length of the smoking articleprotrudes from the secondary unit. Alternatively, less than half of thelength of the smoking article protrudes from the secondary unit.

The heating element or elements in the secondary unit may be internal orexternal heating elements and are shaped to most effectively heat theaerosol-forming substrate. In the preferred embodiment, there may be asingle heating element or multiple heating elements. Moreover, theheating elements may be made from an electrically resistive materialincluding, but not limited to, a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic or asemiconductor material. The most appropriate form for the heatingelement or elements will depend on the particular aerosol-formingsubstrate in the smoking article. Preferably, the aerosol-formingsubstrate is a solid substrate, but may, alternatively, be a liquid orgas substrate.

Preferably, the secondary unit is insulated to minimize heat loss duringthe smoking mode. The better insulated the secondary unit, the longerthe substrate can remain at operating temperature, which can extend thepredetermined period of time for the smoking mode.

FIG. 4a shows a pack of lit-end cigarettes. FIG. 4b shows one embodimentof the smoking system, in which the secondary unit in the form of theholder may be stored in the primary unit. FIG. 4c shows one embodimentof the smoking system of the present invention, in which the holder maybe stored in the primary unit, even when a smoking article is receivedin the holder. FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c are provided to show the relativesizes of embodiments of the smoking system of the present invention anda pack of lit-end cigarettes.

FIG. 4a shows a pack 401 for lit-end cigarettes 403. The lower view inFIG. 4a is a cross sectional side view. The upper view in FIG. 4a is across sectional top view. This pack has a width of about 55 mm, a heightof about 90 mm and a depth of about 24 mm. FIG. 4a shows one example ofa pack of lit-end cigarettes. Generally, packs of lit-end cigaretteshave a height ranging from about 60 mm to about 150 mm, more typically aheight ranging from about 70 mm to about 125 mm. Generally, packs oflit-end cigarettes have a width ranging from about 12 mm to about 150mm, more preferably a width ranging from about 70 mm to about 125 mm.Generally, packs of lit-end cigarettes have a depth ranging from about 6mm to about 100 mm, more preferably a depth ranging from about 12 mm toabout 25 mm. Preferably, the dimensions of the packs are adapted to thelength of the cigarettes, and the collation of the cigarettes.

In the preferred embodiment, packs of lit-end cigarettes may be in theshape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with right-angled longitudinaland right-angled transverse edges. Alternatively, the pack may includeone or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges,bevelled longitudinal edges or bevelled transverse edges, orcombinations thereof. Alternatively, the pack may have a non-rectangulartransversal cross section, for example polygonal such as triangular orhexagonal, or oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular. The packs maybe used to package smoking articles including, but not limited to,conventional lit-end cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos, heated smokingarticles including a combustible fuel element or heat source and anaerosol-generating substrate (for example cigarettes of the typedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,082) and smoking articles for use withelectrical smoking systems (for example cigarettes of the type disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,525).

Through an appropriate choice of the dimensions thereof, packs may bedesigned to hold different total numbers of smoking articles, ordifferent arrangements of smoking articles. Packs may hold smokingarticles of the same type or brand, or of different types or brands. Inaddition, both filterless smoking articles and smoking articles withvarious filter tips may be contained, as well as smoking articles ofdiffering length and diameter. In addition, the smoking articles maydiffer in strength of taste, resistance to draw and total particulatematter delivery. The pack may include more than one of the differenttypes of smoking articles listed above.

FIG. 4b shows a first embodiment of a smoking system according to theinvention. The lower view in FIG. 4b is a cross sectional side view. Theupper view in FIG. 4b is a cross sectional top view. The system includesa primary unit 405 and a holder 407. The primary unit 405 includes aprimary power supply in the form of battery 409, storage for smokingarticles 411, and a docking port 413 for receiving the holder.Preferably, the holder includes heating elements, indicatedschematically at 415. Also preferably, when the holder is stored in thedocking port of the primary unit, the lid portion (not shown) can beclosed. However, when the holder is stored in the docking port of theprimary unit with a smoking article is received in the holder (as shownin FIG. 4b ), the lid portion cannot be closed. In the preferredembodiment, the smoking system has a width of about 56 mm, a height ofabout 95 mm and a depth of about 25 mm.

FIG. 4c shows a second embodiment of a smoking system according to theinvention. The lower view in FIG. 4c is a cross sectional side view. Theupper view in FIG. 4c is a cross sectional top view. As shown, thesystem includes a primary unit 405′ and a holder 407′. Preferably, theprimary unit includes a battery 409′, storage for smoking articles 411′,and a docking port 413′ for receiving the holder. Also preferably, theholder 407′ includes heating elements, indicated schematically at 415′.Moreover, when the holder is stored in the docking port of the primaryunit, even with a smoking article received in the holder (as shown inFIG. 4c ), the lid portion (not shown) can be closed. This is becausethe holder 407′ has a different construction from holder 407, inparticular the heating elements are positioned differently. The smokingsystem has a width of about 56 mm, a height of about 95 mm and a depthof about 25 mm.

It can be seen from FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c that at least two embodiments ofthe smoking system of the present invention are of a similar size andshape as a pack of lit-end cigarettes. Other embodiments of the smokingsystem may be of a similar size and shape to other pack sizes andshapes, as described above. All the components required for the smokingexperience are contained in the single compact unit.

Operation of the electrically heated smoking system will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a graph of power used Wand temperature T versus time t for the pre-heating and smoking modes.

In use, the smoker first inserts a smoking article into the secondaryunit 500, shown in FIG. 6. At this time, the secondary unit 500 can beconnected to, or separate from, the primary unit 502.

Second, the secondary unit 500 is connected to the primary unit 502 (ifnot already connected) (or an alternative source of power) and theprimary power supply 516 in the primary unit 502 begins to charge thesecondary power supply 508 in the secondary unit. The charging time willdepend on the details of the smoking system, but is not more than about5 minutes in the preferred embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, theorder of the first two steps may be reversed. For example, the secondaryunit 500 may be stored in or on the primary unit 502 when not in use, sothat the secondary power supply 508 is fully charged and the secondaryunit 500 is ready for a smoker to initiate the smoking experience at anytime. In that case, the secondary power supply 508 in the secondary unit500 is charged before a smoking article is inserted into the portablesecondary unit.

Third, once the secondary power supply 508 is fully charged (this can beindicated by a signal on the primary or secondary unit), the smoker maybegin the pre-heating mode. Additionally, the pre-heating mode may beinitiated prior to or at the same time that the charging mode begins.The pre-heating mode may be started by the smoker pressing a button orflipping a switch when he or she is ready to begin the smokingexperience. Alternatively, the smoker may begin the pre-heating mode byshaking the unit a predetermined number of times to begin the pre-heatphase. At the beginning of the pre-heating mode, at time 0 in the graphof FIG. 5, the primary power supply is then connected to the heatingelements 504 in the secondary unit 500, under control of the electroniccircuitry in the primary 502 and secondary 500 units. The heatingelements 504 are energized until the substrate in the smoking articlereaches the desired operating temperature T1 (e.g., betweenapproximately 150 and 250° C.). During the pre-heating mode (shown bythe shaded box in FIG. 5), the temperature of the substrate is raisedrapidly, but in a controlled manner in order to avoid overshoot. In thepreferred embodiment, a temperature sensor is located in the primaryunit. The secondary unit 500 may also include a temperature sensor. Inanother embodiment, the primary unit 502 or the secondary unit 500 maydetect that the substrate has reached the desired operating temperatureT1 after an energizing period t1 has elapsed. The energizing period mayrange from about 10 seconds to about 150 seconds. At the end of thispre-heating period, t1 in FIG. 5, electronic circuitry 514 in theprimary unit 502 may generate a signal to indicate that the pre-heatingperiod mode is complete and that the smoker can begin the smokingexperience.

Fourth, the smoker may now remove the portable secondary unit 500 (withthe received smoking article) from the primary unit 502 to begin thesmoking mode. This can occur at time t1 in the graph of FIG. 5. Duringthe smoking mode, the secondary power supply 508 in the secondary unit500, is used to maintain the substrate at or close to operatingtemperature T1. Preferably, the heating elements 504 provide enough heatto the substrate to maintain the substrate at operating temperature,thereby compensating for heat losses through the secondary unit 500, andas air is drawn through the secondary unit 500 during each puff. Alsopreferably, the electronic circuitry 506 in the secondary unit 500records the time elapsed, the time between puffs and/or the number ofpuffs taken, since the portable secondary unit 500 was removed from theprimary unit 502 at time t1.

In FIG. 5, three plots are shown during the smoking mode. The first,solid line indicates the temperature when the secondary unit isinsulated. This is the preferred embodiment and, as can be seen fromFIG. 5, maintains the substrate very close to the operating temperatureT1 and power W1. The second, dotted line indicates the temperature whenthe secondary unit is not insulated. In that embodiment, the substrateis still maintained close to the operating temperature T1, but there ismore heat loss than when the secondary unit is insulated. The third,dashed line indicates the temperature without any secondary power supplyin the secondary unit. In that arrangement, the temperature of thesubstrate falls away quickly during the smoking mode.

Fifth, the electronic circuitry 506 in the secondary unit 500 eitherdetects that the maximum number of puffs (e.g., ranging from about 5 toabout 20 puffs per smoking article) has been reached, or the maximumamount of time for the smoking mode (e.g., about 5 to about 20 minutesafter the smoker has removed the holder from the primary unit) hasexpired, or the maximum amount of time between puffs (e.g., about 30 secto about 5 minutes) has expired. This is time t2 in the graph of FIG. 5.In the first case, if the electronic circuitry 506 in the secondary unit500 detects that the maximum puff count has been reached for the smokingarticle, the electronic circuitry 506 will stop energizing the heatingelements 504 to maintain the substrate at the desired operatingtemperature. If the maximum number of puffs have been taken by thesmoker during the smoking mode, the electronic circuitry 506 in thesecondary unit 500 generates a signal to the smoker indicating that themaximum number of puffs have been taken. This signal may be in the formof a display on the portable secondary unit 500 (for example indicatingthe number of puffs remaining), one or more indicator lights, such asLEDs, which switch on or off as the puffs are taken, an audiblenotification such as a buzzer, a silent notification such as avibration, or any other suitable signal. In the second case, if theelectronic circuitry 506 in the secondary unit 500 detects that themaximum amount of time for the smoking mode has expired, the electroniccircuitry 506 will stop maintaining the operating temperature at thesubstrate and will generate a signal to the smoker indicating that timefor the smoking mode has expired. This signal can be any suitable signalas described above. In the third case, if the maximum amount of timeallowed for the smoker to take consecutive puffs has expired, theelectronic circuitry generates a signal to the smoker indicating that apuff has not been taken during the allowed time. This signal can be anysuitable signal as described above. The signals can indicate that thesecondary unit 500 should be returned to the primary unit 502 forcharging and to start the pre-heating mode.

Sixth and finally, the smoker may reconnect the portable secondary unit500 and the primary power supply and the primary unit 502 begins torecharge the secondary power supply 508 in the portable secondary unitagain. The secondary unit 500 can be connected to the primary unit 502via a primary interface 512 and a secondary interface 510. Once thesecondary power supply 508 in the secondary unit 500 is fully charged,if puffs remain, the smoker can restart the smoking experience from thethird step. Thus, the smoker can start and stop the smoking experienceas desired.

As described, embodiments of the invention provide a number ofadvantages. First, by dividing the system, in particular the powersupply, into two portions, the size of the secondary unit can bereduced. Second, the secondary unit can facilitate puff on demand, andthe smoking experience can be started and stopped. Embodiments for asingle smoker, which have a size and shape similar to that of a pack oflit-end cigarettes, are advantageous since there will need to be minimaldisruption to the smoker's smoking behaviour for the smoker to adopt theproduct. In addition, the smoker need only carry the single unit whichprovides all the components required for the smoking experience.Embodiments which provide a plurality of secondary units for use by aplurality of smokers are advantageous since they facilitate socialinteraction. Embodiments in which the secondary unit is personalizedallow the smoker to prevent unauthorized use and the performance may beadapted to best suit the smoker.

In this specification, the word “about” is often used in connection withnumerical values to indicate that mathematical precision of such valuesis not intended. Accordingly, it is intended that where “about” is usedwith a numerical value, a tolerance of ±10% is contemplated for thatnumerical value.

In this specification the words “generally” and “substantially” aresometimes used with respect to terms. When used with geometric terms,the words “generally” and “substantially” are intended to encompass notonly features which meet the strict definitions but also features whichfairly approximate the strict definitions. In this connection, the term“rounded” is intended to also include configurations including two ormore substantially straight line segments describing the “rounded”feature.

While the foregoing describes in detail a preferred electrically heatedsmoking system having a unit for receiving a smoking article withreference to a specific embodiment thereof, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made tothe electrically heated smoking system, which do not materially departfrom the spirit and scope of the foregoing description. Accordingly, allsuch changes, modifications, and equivalents that fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims are intended to be encompassed thereby.

We claim:
 1. A case, the case comprising: a base, the base including, aplurality of holders configured to hold articles of a vapor-formingformulation, the plurality of holders extending in a longitudinaldirection of the base, a docking port configured to be electricallycoupled with a first power supply, the docking port extending in thelongitudinal direction of the base, the docking port being longer thanthe holders with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base, anda second power supply configured to charge the first power supply whenthe first power supply is electrically coupled to the docking port: anda lid connected to the base by a hinge, the hinge at a first edge of atop side of the base, the lid being arranged such that the lid isconfigured to close onto the base when the first power supply iselectrically coupled to the docking port, wherein the plurality ofholders include a first top portion and a first bottom portion, thefirst top portion of the plurality of holders is closer to the top sideof the base than the first bottom portion of the plurality of holdersand the second power supply is entirely between the first bottom portionof the plurality of holders and a bottom side of the base the secondpower supply includes a second top portion, a second bottom portion, afirst side and a second side, the second top portion opposes the firstbottom portion of the plurality of holders, the docking port includes athird top portion, a third bottom portion, a third side and a fourthside, and the first side of the second power supply opposes the thirdside of the docking port.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the holdersand the docking port are cylindrical.
 3. The case of claim 1, whereinthe first side of the second power supply is parallel to the third sideof the docking port.
 4. The case of claim 3, wherein a length of thebase in the longitudinal direction is about 95 mm.
 5. The case of claim4, wherein a width of the base in a direction normal to the longitudinaldirection is about 56 mm.
 6. The case of claim 1, further comprising: aconnection port on the base to connect the base to an external device.7. The case of claim 1, wherein the connection port is a universalserial bus (USB) port.
 8. The case of claim 1, wherein the base furtherincludes, circuitry configured to control the second power supply. 9.The case of claim 8, wherein the circuitry is programmable.
 10. The caseof claim 1, wherein the docking port includes a push-in contact tocouple the first power supply to the docking port.
 11. An electronicvapor (e-vapor) kit, the kit comprising: a first power supply; two ormore articles containing a vapor-forming formulation; and a base, thebase including, a plurality of holders configured to hold the articles,the plurality of holders extending in a longitudinal direction of thebase, a docking port configured to be electrically coupled with a firstpower supply, the docking port extending in the longitudinal directionof the base, the docking port being longer than the holders with respectto the longitudinal direction of the base, and a second power supplyconfigured to charge the first power supply when the first power supplyis electrically coupled to the docking port, and a lid connected to thebase by a hinge, the hinge at a first edge of a top side of the base,the lid being arranged such that the lid is configured to close onto thebase when the first power supply is electrically coupled to the dockingport, wherein the plurality of holders include a first top portion and afirst bottom portion, the first top portion of the plurality of holdersis closer to the top side of the base than the first bottom portion ofthe plurality of holders and the second power supply is entirely betweenthe first bottom portion of the plurality of holders and a bottom sideof the base, the second power supply includes a second top portion, asecond bottom portion, a first side and a second side, the second topportion opposes the first bottom portion of the plurality of holders,the docking port includes a third top portion, a third bottom portion, athird side and a fourth side, and the first side of the second powersupply opposes the third side of the docking port.
 12. The kit of claim11, wherein the first side of the second power supply is parallel to thethird side of the docking port.
 13. The kit of claim 12, wherein alength of the base in the longitudinal direction is about 95 mm.
 14. Thekit of claim 13, wherein a width of the base in a direction normal tothe longitudinal direction is about 56 mm.